Roman Ivory (Bone ?) Plaque with the head of an African

16172

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This minuscule triangular ivory fragment was probably a decorative element on a box, a chest or some other object of woodwork; its back is flat. The three quarter view is perfectly rendered by the compression of the left half of the face. The figure sculpted in low relief is clearly meant to be an African (large round face, broad nose, curly hair, full lips), and wearing an ivy-diadem would designate him as a cupbearer at a symposium.